Leaky DOT 5.1 Fluid Bottle

I just noticed that my bottle of DOT 5.1 fluid had been tipped on its side and clearly a slow leak developed as the label of the bottle is basically blank now. I know that DOT 5.1 absorbs water really easily so is whats left in the bottle toast now?

There is enough moisture in the air to contaminate the fluid, but unless the lid was off completely, the fluid should still be OK. That being said, I do a little trick that seems to keep the moisture at bay. I use latex gloves (any stretchy gloves will work for this) when I bleed my brakes. I cut one of the fingers off the glove when I'm done, put it over the top of the bottle and then screw the cap on. Seals it up tight.

Technically, any unsealed bottle will absorb water, but unless it's pretty old you would be fine using it.

On the other hand, I am slightly OCD when it comes to these kind of things so I would just buy another bottle,

This is why I don't generally buy large bottles of the stuff . . . this bottle isn't that old, maybe 6 months?

Originally Posted by Learux

I would still use it, what is in the bottle has not been exposed to water has it?

Nope . . . I live in SoCal where even the air is dry.

Originally Posted by Team Fubar Rider

There is enough moisture in the air to contaminate the fluid, but unless the lid was off completely, the fluid should still be OK. That being said, I do a little trick that seems to keep the moisture at bay. I use latex gloves (any stretchy gloves will work for this) when I bleed my brakes. I cut one of the fingers off the glove when I'm done, put it over the top of the bottle and then screw the cap on. Seals it up tight.

Brilliant idea with the glove. I also use gloves and this will be a simple addition.